The 8th Manipal Entrepreneurship Summit (MES) 2025, held from February 6 to 8 at the Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), was a vibrant confluence of innovation, inspiration, and entrepreneurial zeal. Organized by the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in collaboration with E-Cell MIT, this year’s summit embraced the theme “Fuelling Future Founders,” aiming to empower budding entrepreneurs with the tools and networks necessary to transform their visions into reality.

Inspiring Keynotes and Engaging Sessions

The summit commenced with an inaugural address by Dr. Arokiaswamy Velumani, founder of Thyrocare, who shared his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to establishing a healthcare empire. His narrative underscored the significance of resilience and vision in entrepreneurial success. ​

Adding to the excitement, Ashneer Grover, a prominent figure in the startup ecosystem, engaged in a candid fireside chat, offering attendees a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of building successful ventures. ​

Diverse Panels and Conclaves

MES 2025 featured a series of panel discussions and conclaves that delved into various facets of entrepreneurship:​

• DeepTech Conclave: Experts explored transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and blockchain, highlighting their potential to revolutionize industries. ​
• HealthTech Panel: Discussions centered on the intersection of healthcare and technology, emphasizing innovations poised to enhance patient care and medical services. ​
• Family Businesses Panel: Insights into sustaining and evolving family-run enterprises in the modern business landscape were shared by seasoned entrepreneurs. ​
• InfoTech Conclave: Industry leaders discussed advancements in information technology and their implications for future business models. ​

The Influencers’ Conclave was a highlight, featuring Raj Shamani, founder of House of X, and Iqlipse Nova, co-founder of BigBrainCo. Their dynamic session offered fresh perspectives on leveraging digital platforms for entrepreneurial growth. ​

Innovation Mela: A Showcase of Ingenuity

The Innovation Mela stood as a testament to the creative prowess of over 120 startups and innovators. This expo provided a platform for entrepreneurs to present their groundbreaking products and services, fostering networking opportunities with mentors, investors, and peers. Representatives from leading venture capital firms, including Leo Capital and Z3Partners, were in attendance, offering participants valuable exposure and potential funding avenues. ​

Competitions and Challenges

To ignite the competitive spirit, MES 2025 hosted several national-level competitions:​

• Pitch Tank: MAHE’s rendition of Shark Tank saw aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a panel of investors, vying for funding and mentorship. ​
• Case Maze and Reroute & Resurge: These competitions challenged participants to devise innovative solutions to real-world business problems, with a total prize pool of ₹4 lakh rewarding the most creative and feasible ideas.

A Transformative Experience

Leaders from MAHE emphasized the summit’s role in nurturing entrepreneurial talent:​

• Dr. H.S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor of MAHE: “We are confident that MES 2025 will continue to inspire and cultivate successful entrepreneurs who will make a meaningful impact on the world.” ​
• Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor of MAHE: “MES 2025 serves as a remarkable platform to showcase our students’ entrepreneurial spirit and the unwavering support we provide in nurturing it.” ​
• Cdr. Dr. Anil Rana, Director of MIT, Manipal: Described MES as “a transformative platform that empowers students to think beyond limits, turn ideas into ventures, and become job creators.” ​

MES 2025 not only celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit but also solidified its position as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration. By providing a nurturing environment for future founders, the summit has set the stage for the next wave of Indian entrepreneurs poised to make a global impact.